China has changed its product registration requirements for cosmetics.
As part of an application, the Chinese Government requires a certificate attesting to the cosmetics being produced according to good manufacturing practices (GMP), in accordance with international standards, from the competent authority of the exporting country.
These changes open up trade for Australian cosmetics products to China and may provide certain types of imported cosmetics intended for retail sale in China to an exemption from animal testing requirements.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as the Australian Government competent authority, will issue certificates under the Export Control Act 2020 to Australian businesses that can demonstrate the cosmetics products being exported to China meet GMP requirements.
When requesting a certificate from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the business wishing to register the products for import into China must complete an application form and provide the following documentation:
Where applicant is the manufacturer a certificate from:
- the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) showing that the applicant is currently licensed to manufacture therapeutics at the specified premises, or
- an accredited* third party certifying that the premises meet ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practices – Cosmetics).
Where applicant uses a third-party manufacturer:
- a letter addressed to the department from the Australian manufacturer stating that it manufactures specific (named) products and the premises at which the manufacturing takes place, and
- a certificate from:
- the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) showing that the manufacturer is currently licensed to manufacture therapeutics at the specified premises, or
- an accredited* third party certifying that the premises meet ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practices – Cosmetics).
* Accredited third party means an organisation accredited by a member of the International Accreditation Forum to audit and certify compliance with ISO22716:2007 Cosmetics – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices.
A separate application is required for each manufacturing location.
On verification of the information contained in the application form and the supporting documentation, the department will issue 4 hard copies of the certificate with a wet ink signature and seal and a PDF (electronic) copy to the applicant.
There is no charge for this service at this time. Future cost recovery arrangements will be consulted with industry.
Sample letters
- Manufacturer letter, where the applicant is not the manufacturer sample letter.